Thunder and Lightning (1977 film)

For the 1938 film, see Thunder and Lightning (1938 film).
Thunder and Lightning
Theatrical release poster
Directed byCorey Allen
Written byWilliam Hjortsberg
Produced byRoger Corman
StarringKate Jackson
David Carradine
Sterling Holloway
Roger C. Carmel
Eddie Barth
Charles Napier
CinematographyJames Pergola
Edited byAnthony Redman
Music byAndy Stein
Production
company
20th Century Fox
Distributed by20th Century Fox
Release date
  • August 24, 1977 (1977-08-24)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$3 million[1] or $3.1 million[2]

Thunder and Lightning is a 1977 action comedy film directed by Corey Allen, and starring David Carradine and Kate Jackson.[3]

The film is set in Florida. It focuses on the efforts of local moonshine runners to protect their independent business from takeover attempts by organized crime.

Plot

The plot involves moonshine runners in Florida who are trying to stay independent in the face of attempts by organized crime to take over their business.

Cast

Main

Supporting

  • Roger C. Carmel as Ralph Junior Hunnicutt
  • Hope Pomerance as Mrs. Hunnicutt
  • Eddie Barth as Rudi Volpone (credited as Ed Barth)
  • Malcolm Jones as Rainey
  • Charles Willeford as Bartender
  • Christopher Raynolds as Scooter
  • Claude Earl Jones as Carl (credited as Claude Jones)
  • Emilio Rivera as Honeydew Driver

Cameo appearance/uncredited

Production

At one stage the film was reportedly going to star Susan George and Roger Corman met with Jimmy Connors about playing the male lead.[4] Carradine signed in March 1976.[5] Kate Jackson was known for The Rookies and made the film while on hiatus from that series. She had also just made the pilot for Charlie's Angels.

The script was originally set in Georgia but was relocated to the Florida Everglades in order to take advantage of the beauty of that area.[6]

It was Sterling Holloway's final film role.

Charles Willeford worked as location manager.[7]

It was Roger Corman's last of four films produced for 20th Century Fox (the others were Fighting Mad, Capone and Moving Violation).

Lewis Teague did second unit.

Reception

The film was popular and Corey Allen worked for Corman again on Avalanche (1978).[8]

References

  1. ^ Christopher T Koetting, Mind Warp! The Fantastic True Story of Roger Corman's New World Pictures, Hemlock Books, 2009, p. 132
  2. ^ Kilday, Gregg. (Dec 24, 1977). "FILM CLIPS: 'Star Wars' Keeps on Streaking". Los Angeles Times. p. B7.
  3. ^ "Thunder and Lightning". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  4. ^ Gold, Aaron. (Dec 9, 1975). "Tower Ticker". Chicago Tribune. p. B2.
  5. ^ Murphy, Mary. (Mar 24, 1976). "MOVIE CALL SHEET: Rastar Buys 'First Time' Rights". Los Angeles Times. p. G9.
  6. ^ Jim; Higgins, Shirley. (Aug 14, 1977). "Movie fan's guide: Chasing moonshiners through Everglades". Chicago Tribune. p. C2.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Willeford, Charles (21 November 1976). "Hollywood'S Wild Angel". The Miami Herald. p. 38.
  8. ^ Goldstone, Patricia (17 Dec 1978). "Young Directors: Who Is Using Whom?". Los Angeles Times. p. O6.


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